TED-ED: The invisible motion of still objects - Ran Tivony

The video explores the dynamic nature of atomic structures, emphasizing that molecular motion is governed by principles rather than randomness. It details the three types of molecular motion: rotation, translation, and vibration, and explains how these contribute to a molecule's degrees of freedom. The video also discusses how energy absorption leads to increased molecular motion, affecting temperature and thermal energy, with examples like microwave heating and the greenhouse effect. Finally, it touches on zero-point energy, explaining that molecular motion never truly stops, even at absolute zero.

What are the three basic types of molecular motion?

• Reflection, refraction, and diffraction

• Diffusion, convection, and conduction

• Expansion, contraction, and oscillation

• Rotation, translation, and vibration

How many degrees of freedom does a non-linear molecule have?

• 3N-4

• 3N

• 3N-6

• 3N-5

Which of the following is NOT a vibrational mode of a water molecule?

• Asymmetric stretching

• Symmetric stretching

• Bending

• Twisting

What causes molecules to move faster, increasing their kinetic energy?

• Absorption of energy from surroundings

• Loss of electrons

• Increase in pressure

• Decrease in temperature

What principle explains why molecular motion never completely stops, even at absolute zero?

• Thermal equilibrium

• Conservation of energy

• Zero-point energy

• Entropy